Evacuations Ordered as Gaza Death Toll Exceeds 50,000 Amid Renewed Conflict

TEL AVIV, Israel, and GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) mandated a comprehensive evacuation of Palestinians from northern Gaza Wednesday afternoon, encompassing regions such as Zeitoun, Rimal, and Tel al-Awa. This directive complements earlier evacuations ordered from Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia, effectively emptying much of northern Gaza critical to Hamas, aside from Gaza City’s downtown, Shejaiya, and Shaati.

The IDF attributed the evacuation decision to the firing of rockets from these areas, stating one rocket reached Zimrat in the Gaza Corridor. Although no casualties were reported from this incident, it highlighted the ongoing hostilities in the region. Gazan militant groups have demonstrated the capability to launch multiple rockets in rapid succession as tensions have escalated since late last week, with Palestinian Islamic Jihad claiming responsibility for the recent attacks.

The IDF has reportedly killed 150 militants, including 10 key Hamas leaders, since the escalation of hostilities earlier this month. In total, the military has targeted 420 sites linked to terrorist infrastructure, including buildings, tunnels, and vehicles, reinforcing its strategic offensive in Gaza. Sources indicate the IDF has advanced at least one kilometer into specific regions, such as the Nitzanim Corridor in central Gaza.

In addition to the evacuations in northern Gaza, the IDF has also conducted operations in parts of Khan Yunis, Shaboura, and Tel Sultan, further intensifying military actions against regions from which rockets have been launched. As the situation evolves, IDF officials have yet to disclose an accurate count of Palestinian casualties. Hamas has reported that over 700 Palestinians have died, a claim contested by the IDF.

An escalated narrative emerged earlier this week as Hamas announced that the death toll among Palestinians had surpassed 50,000 since the commencement of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023 following a significant attack by Hamas that resulted in nearly 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals.

The ongoing conflict has seen numerous families displaced and forced to evacuate, particularly in southern Gaza, as Israel renews its offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas. Many residents had only recently returned home after a ceasefire initiated in January.

Reports indicate that the IDF managed to reclaim sections of the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic area that separates northern and southern Gaza, further complicating the humanitarian situation. Ahmad Kullab, a resident fleeing Tel al-Sultan, described chaos as he witnessed intense shelling and military action. “The Israelis started to shoot at us as we were going out through the safe zone,” he recounted. “Tanks are now advancing towards us, firing rounds and causing chaos in the streets.”

Um Ahmad Saidam, who lost her husband and daughter to a strike while attempting to flee, detailed her harrowing experience at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, stating, “A rocket fell right in between us and their bodies shattered in front of my eyes.”

The escalating conflict comes amid stalled negotiations for a ceasefire extension. The initial phase of a ceasefire deal, which facilitated the release of hostages and detainees, ended on March 1, with renewed military actions prompting Israel to impose blockades on essential supplies to Gaza. This blockade has persisted for nearly four weeks as Israel seeks to apply pressure on Hamas to meet its demands.

Efforts for a more permanent resolution were suggested, with Trump’s Middle East envoy proposing the release of a significant number of hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and the resumption of aid to Gaza. Hamas has indicated its willingness to release one live dual American-Israeli hostage in exchange for the initiation of talks aimed at ending the war.